Mike Thomas on four-game suspension: ‘I kind of knew it was coming’

One of the easiest ways for an NFL player to find himself without a job is by way of a suspension. After all, availability is typically your best ability.

For Mike Thomas, the Rams exercised a bit of patience. The second-year receiver was handed a four-game suspension back in July for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. A foot injury that caused him to miss the first nine days of camp didn’t help, but the Rams continued to show confidence in the young wideout.

On Monday, the same day was taken off the PUP list, he admitted his mistakes and even revealed that he knew the suspension was coming before it was announced.

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Although he wasn’t a huge factor as a rookie in 2016, he did play a role on special teams. However, in order to solidify his place on the 53-man roster this season, he’ll need to contribute on offense more often.

One way he can do that is with his speed, which coach Sean McVay calls “a nice element and option” in the passing game. Although he’s not a burner – he ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at his pro day – he can emerge as a deep threat.

McVay said Thomas will get some work in during the preseason, which should help him stay in shape leading up to the start of the regular season. Weeks 1-4 won’t be easy for the young receiver, though.

“Knowing that I’m not going to be on the field and not going to be around the team, it’s very disappointing,” Thomas said. “I’m just going to keep working like it’s another offseason for me, those four weeks, and when I come back I’ll be ready to work when my number is called, and make plays.”